Peggy, tell us more about your company and initiatives you are passionate about?

I began my career as an actor and classical singer. I then moved to Hollywood to become a producer, director, and coach who worked with actors, comedians, musicians, and broadcast news talent for productions at Paramount Studios, Warner Brothers, ABC, CBS, and NBC TV, among others. In the mid 90’s, I started getting panicked calls from friends on Wall Street and in Silicon Valley asking for help with their presentations at industry and press conferences, client meetings, and congressional hearings. Applying the same performance and communication techniques that I used successfully with stage, television, and film performers, I left Hollywood behind to start Klaus & Associates. At first, I was primarily a communication coach. That soon morphed into including leadership coaching as well. Basically, I teach business professionals how to bring their best, most authentic, dynamic self to every situation.

Not to sound corny, but I really do have a passion for working with anyone who has the desire to make positive changes. That said, I have a special place in my heart for working with youth, which has been ongoing since my twenties when I founded two theatre companies for teens. This passion has only grown during my work as a communication and leadership coach for major corporations. I formed a lasting affiliation with The Young Women’s Leadership Network (YWL Network) when I began working with the Network’s flagship program The Young Women’s Leadership Network School of East Harlem (TYWLS, East Harlem), a groundbreaking single-gender public school serving inner-city young women. I now hold an annual BRAG! Day event for TYWLS East Harlem each spring to teach the entire junior class self-promotion and networking skills.

Currently, my goal is to expose as many young people as possible to soft skills training at home, through afterschool programs, and in the classroom. To that end, I am working on building an online information portal where parents, afterschool program leaders, and classroom teachers will find a comprehensive suite of tools and resources designed to help youth ages 10 through 14 learn about, practice, and master the soft skills they need to get ahead at school, at home, and in life.

Budgets are tight and organizations are choosing where and how to spend money. What benefits companies supporting women advancement and diverse workforce?

A recent study shows that firms with more women on their boards perform better those that don’t have many women on their boards. I believe there are two major reasons for this. First, it’s a well-known fact that women are more verbal than men. Women also bring to the table qualities such as a willingness to collaborate, warmth and empathy. Secondly, globalization has been creating communication challenges for many companies trying to effectively interact with associates and customers around the world, spanning cultural differences along with the time zones. A successful company needs a variety of different perspectives and life experiences to understand their ever changing and diverse customer base, which women provide.

Why are performance and communication techniques more important than ever before?

A classic UCLA study measured the effect of verbal, vocal, and visual variables on message believability and found that audiences rated the importance of visual cues (body language and facial animation) at 55 percent, followed by vocals (tone, pace, pitch, speed, and volume) at 38 percent. Actual content weighed in as the least important factor at seven percent. Now factor in to this our collective shrinking attention spans, BlackBerry addictions, and ever expanding to-do lists. So you MUST be able to grab your audience’s attention quickly and this means using performance and communication techniques. You need to learn how to use your entire body to help you communicate your message.

• Tooting Your Own Horn Without Blowing It.

Tell us more about your book “Tooting Your Own Horn Without Blowing it”?

For most of us, “brag” is a four-letter word that conjures up unpleasant images of pushy people who are obnoxious and self-aggrandizing. And, it’s true, bad bragging is a huge turn off. Yet when done well, it is a huge plus. Recent studies show that self-promotion is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity essential to the careers and financial advancements of both women and men. Remaining quiet about yourself—or even worse, downplaying your successes—will most assuredly stall or derail any climb up the ladder of success. And, in this economic recession (and I predict in the years going forward as well), with mergers, acquisitions, unprecedented layoffs, professionals having to re-interview for jobs, your bosses having to do two jobs instead of one and not having the time to advocate for you as perhaps they once did, you must self-promote or risk losing your career. My book, BRAG! The Art Of Tooting Your Own Horn Without Blowing It teaches readers to sell themselves artfully when seeking a new job, promotion or raise—without feeling or sounding like a walking billboard (or like one of those obnoxious, self-aggrandizing people you have always hated).

At Invincibelle, we stand for women in the workplace. What challenges do women face in tooting their horns?

It’s a well-researched fact that women are terrible self-promoters. Women are told by parents and society at large from the time they are very young things like, “don’t be a show off, nice girls don’t call attention to themselves, don’t talk about your accomplishments because it will make your boyfriend/husband look bad.” Because of this women are less likely to draw attention to themselves and take ownership of their successes. They tend to attribute their accomplishments to other people, a work team, or just good luck. That’s all very nice, and sometimes even true, but it’s those who visibly take credit for accomplishments who are rewarded with promotions and gem assignments. So if women don’t come forward and take credit where it’s rightfully due, they will be left behind. Of course, where it gets dicey is that societal norms want to keep us in our place, and if we begin get “too successful,” then we are considered uppity or even bitchy. Here’s a great example of what I’m talking about: After working with a woman executive on her communication and leadership style, she had improved so much that she actually contacted me and asked if I could show her how to come across as a little less powerful. Although her colleagues were impressed with her new confidence and assertiveness, she found it terrifying to be so “out there” for people to judge. We ended up laughing at the irony and absurdity of what she was requesting. She got over her fear of the spotlight and today is one of the top leaders in her field.

What should a woman do to grow as a leader?

This very question has elicited hundreds of thesis and books but let me just offer a few suggestions:

1. Know Thyself. The most important ability in any leader, be it man or women, is to be scrupulously honest with yourself. Be scrupulously honest about evaluating your talents, skills, personality in terms of pluses and your deltas (things you need to improve or change). Truly knowing your own strengths and weaknesses is the first step toward being able to comfortably step into the spotlight.

2. Get Over The Self-Promotion Myths That Hold You Back & Learn The Art of The BRAG. For most women, talking about themselves is about as comfortable as having a root canal. But the truth is: if you don’t self-promote you won’t get promoted. To embrace self-promotion you need to dispel some common myths, including “A job well-done speaks for itself,” “Good girls don’t brag,” or “I don’t have to talk about my accomplishments; others will do it for me.” Once you have wrestled down those myths, learn how to describe yourself or your accomplishments in a short story with a few interesting anecdotes.

3. Don’t Take It Personally. I use the inner monologue “don’t take it personally” whenever I feel myself getting defensive about someone disagreeing with my opinion. Using this monologue can really help to diffuse feelings of, “Oh! I shouldn’t have said that.” Or, “They don’t like me.” It helps you realize instead that they simply have another view. During a disagreement, it’s helpful to present your ideas with a neutral lead in, such as, “I have a different point of view that I’d like to share.” Or, “Here is how I’ve been thinking about it.”

4. Navigate The Political Landscape. If you think office politics are beneath you, catch up fast on the “shadow organization” that really runs things and impacts key decisions—including those about reorganizations and layoffs. This will help you catch the signs of shifting tides and be a detective about what’s ahead so that you can proactively position yourself. It’s also important to maintain strong relationships and create high visibility with the higher ups. Get to know their interests outside of the office, volunteer for key committees that are close to the division head’s or CEO’s heart, and learn where they play golf. In other words, make the effort to bond with them.

5. It’s All In The Delivery. When you’ve got good news to share, let it show in your voice. If you don’t sound excited about your achievements, how can you expect others to be? And don’t turn declarative statements into questions by raising your voice at the end of sentences. Make sure your voice isn’t too soft, breathy, light, or high in pitch. Remember, you are a professional saying something with conviction and enthusiasm, not a young girl or Marilyn Monroe.

• Vision

What will be the challenges and opportunities for the next generation of leaders?

One challenge I faced often in the beginning of my career was male clients testing me to see if I really knew my stuff. I had to learn early on not to let anyone intimidate me. Another challenge was building credibility in this field coming from a background outside of academia (translation: I don’t hold a Ph.D. in communication) with an unusual approach to this kind of work. Corporate folks were used to formulaic, didactic coaching. Women who do things differently than how they’ve been done in the past continue to experience more pushback than their male counterparts might. However, I’ve found that if you’re very clear and resolute about your mission and with your message, then the journey is a lot easier. Lastly, I think this generation of women is going to continue to struggle with what I call the bitch factor—the perception by employees, colleagues, and bosses that women colleagues are too aggressive and demanding when presenting themselves as strong, confident, or assertive.

What motivates you to keep helping professionals succeed?

As I said, I love working with clients who are smart, challenging and determined to be better leaders and better people as well. I’ve been doubly blessed because I adore my clients, making my practice all the more meaningful. I work 150% to make sure that they succeed. I also find that many people (too many, in fact) have a very difficult time being proud of themselves. This is extremely disturbing and sad because all of us have things we can be proud of—not only at work but outside of the office as well. Helping people recognize their accomplishments and realize that they have a lot to be proud of motivates me to keep on doing the work I do.

1. Tell us more about yourself and your work.

I consider myself a ruthless optimist. I operate personally with a sense of urgency for just about everything and I naturally lean toward the positive. I think these characteristics come in handy as diversity professional. I also have an innate sense of justice. When I was about 10, I had a very progressive priest who opened up the job of altar boy to girls. I jumped at the chance, recognizing that the responsibility and pageantry were both appealing. After a couple of years, the bishop swooped in, kicked the girls out and disciplined the priest for breaking church rules. In protest, I refused to be confirmed. I was the only child in the 8^th grade that wasn’t confirmed- much to the chagrin of my parents and school. I was a feminist at heart but had no idea what that meant.

I am the super-proud mother of two. Marley, 10, was born in Brooklyn and Grady, 6 was born in L.A. They are very sharp, funny and confident kids. I enjoy them as people. We live in Seattle. I love the city but am a native Californian so I miss ocean swimming and sun.

My work evolved from altar girl to diversity consultant by way of a background in anthropology and applied sociology. Both are fields that fed my curiosity about people and my desire for justice.  I spent eight years in three cities as a diversity consultant for Catalyst, starting in NYC. It was an amazing opportunity because the clients always changed and what we were solving for – and how we solved for it- varied from company to company. I went on to lead the diversity function at Starbucks through a series of perilous twists and turns. I was there for almost four years before I was laid off almost 7 months ago.

Unemployment has been a wild ride- teaching me more than I needed to know about my attachment to big brands and title, to my experience of motherhood and the importance of my personal network. It’s also provided me an opportunity to return to consulting as I explore the future. I’ve recently completed projects for PwC and Working Mother Media. It’s been very satisfying to create a piece of work from start to finish. I feel like I’m on an adventure professionally and am curious to see where it leads.

2. What are the pain points you are solving in field of ” Diversity” that makes it an important issue NOW than ever before?

It was a hard question for me to answer initially because think about the work so much more as opportunity then as pain.  But there are pain points. I experience pain that the conversations around diversity feel stuck. As a field, we haven’t figured out entirely how to move forward without losing our roots. So I’m always trying to create a fresh conversation and to question my own field. I find as diversity practitioners, we don’t much like to challenge ourselves. It’s considered disloyal.  I believe that if we don’t address this NOW, we will render ourselves extinct, as a field- the millennials will view our field as part of the past and not the future.  I think of diversity people as futurists but we need to start acting accordingly.

In terms of tactical work, I’ve spent a lot of the past couple of years working on efforts around people with disabilities and LGBT issues- everything form technology solutions to policy implications inside organizations. These are pain points because I believe we still normalize and accept blatant discrimination in ways we would vehemently object if the topic were race of gender. 

Finally, I think NOW is the time to bring the concept of innovation more centrally into the diversity conversation. We nod to it, but we rarely facilitate the work of innovation. We focus on equity and nod to innovation as a potential outcome. In the speed of today’s world and with the rapid innovation in every field, I believe that if we lead with innovation and eliminate barriers in service to innovation, we will make change in a more compelling and sustainable way.

3. At Invincibelle, we stand for empowering women, what are some things you think are important to empower women in the workforce?

I think empowerment in the workplace is triggered by three things:

1. An organization that is demonstrating an equal chance for women to succeed, fail and rebound. This is something that can be demonstrated numerically but even more so by women who are navigating the organization daily.

2. A fierce sense of personal strength and internal power that cannot be easily derailed by the obstacle course that is the workforce.

Finally, unwavering support outside of work in our relationships that facilitates our success (whatever that is for us). It doesn’t matter how many programs your company has if you get out of the office and if you’re not appreciated or are completely responsible for the second shift.

4. Tell us more about the Generational issues between GEN Y and Baby Boomers today in the workforce

Baby Boomer women want to be seen and respected for the paths they’ve forged. If they are successful in the workforce today, they have been so through fierce determination and fortitude.  They know something and they want to share it. They want to pass the torch but often don’t feel Gen Y women want to receive it.

Gen Y women don’t want to be beholden to the legacy of these women, necessarily. They want their experiences and reality to be valued and resist the characterization that they “just don’t get it.”  Having said all that, I’ve seen great relationships forged across this generational divide and think we should operate with caution in assuming too much about each other without checking those assumptions in.

5. What are some things to remember when engaging the leadership in setting goals for Diversity in a company?

You have to understand the business of each leader and what makes them tick personally. The “business case” may be the price to admission in these conversations, but it doesn’t move the work. If it did, we would have made bigger leaps sooner.  I talk with leaders about understanding goals in terms of workforce, business and personal. The work of each is very different.  I also am very deliberate to expand what they think I’m talking about. I am not a compliance officer (though I have deep respect for the intent of that work). Once a leader knows we may be talking about LGBT issues or efforts around people with disabilities- as much as race and gender- they often open up.

You have to be able to sense where they are open and go deep there. Once they have experienced some traction, they are more likely to continue the work. 

6. What is the impact of economic recession to the work of Diversity?

I think it’s difficult to answer the question broadly. Personally speaking, my position as the leader of a diversity function was eliminated and the team I was leading was shrunk by about 30% over the course of a year.  So the impact was less work, of course.  I’m not sure we should over-interpret this, however, because I saw similar cuts across the organization. At the same time, I’ve seen other organizations recommit to their efforts.

From a macro level, I think the recession brings conversations of class to the forefront- mortgages to healthcare to personal consumption are all up for grabs as daily topics.  Conversations about gender roles have also increased- everything from the dynamics of professional men as stay-at-home fathers, women as primary breadwinners and the benefit of leadership styles described as “female” being prized during highly ambiguous times. I think this provides a really compelling opportunity to reimagine our personal and professional partnerships. I know also there is increased personal anxiety for people in organizations who are not in the majority that they may be more susceptible to layoffs.

7. What motivates and inspires you to continue working this field?

Despite my frustration with the diversity field at times, I think this is the most intellectually and personally fulfilling field I can imagine. Context changes the conversation on a dime. If we are in China, we are have a very different conversation than if we are in Atlanta. One day, I may be talking with a technical team about universal web design and another day I may be talking with employees about helping a transgender person transition at work. The shifting landscape meets my deep desire for both creativity and equity and continually draws me to this field. Where else could this happen?

Growing up, what were some of the things that shaped you into what you are today?

Emigrating from Canada to the USA, moving every 3 years and then going to school in Europe gave me a sense of cultural perspective and a desire to live multi-culturally. Studying art instilled in me an on-going appreciation of environmental aesthetics and the affect beauty can have on the soul. My father read a lot of books and gave me a love for books and ideas.

Did you have any setback and what kept you going?

Yes, I have survived cancer, twice. Love of family and a commitment to change and grow through adversity to become a better person kept me going.

• The Transition

What is the one thing you wish someone told you about a lot sooner in life?

I wish someone had told me when I was a little girl that I could be whatever I wanted to be in life. I grew up and found that out.

If given an opportunity, what would you have done differently?

Nothing. Had I done something differently I might not have met the wonderful people I know, fallen in love with the men that I have loved, had the career opportunities I have had, and all the joys, adventures and experiences to date.

• The Present

What are your hobbies? How do you relax? Are you able to manage work life balance?

I love my vocation because it is that for me, a calling. Being with friends and family grounds me. Seeing independent and foreign films, listening to world music, eating Pacific Rim cuisine are all passions. I am always ready to pack up and travel anywhere and take long walks on any beach. I don’t have balance. I never consider it as my life is not that structured. But I try to avoid lots of repetition or redundant work.

What’s a little-known fact about you?

I strongly dislike being cold.

• The Future

What is next in your life?

Finally writing the career book(s) I have put off for the past 5 years. Developing the recruitment consulting part of my business as a vendor of the Predictive Index behavioral assessment. Taking that trip to India at last.

• Guidance

How should women pursue job searches and career moves?

With gusto! Too, often I see women afraid to go after what they really want. They use all kinds of rationalizations such as needing more experience, another degree, or having to fulfill the expectations, needs, demands of others. Women think in terms of communities. It is not an accident that the character of the Lone Ranger was played by a guy. So women need to do job searches and make career moves within the context of communities. They should have their own personal success team to help them during the passage. Networking and making connections works for women rather than making cold calls. A willingness to make money, be paid what you are worth and risk-taking would be for some women stretch goals. What criteria do you use to connect candidates to potential jobs? I help people figure that out for themselves. Better to teach someone to fish and prepare the meal for them. I work with them in identifying core values, top skills and talents, abiding interests and the life-style they need to sustain. Within those parameters, the perfect job will be found at the right company.

Growing up, what were some of the things that shaped you into what you are today?
I come from a long line of troublemaking women! My maternal grandmother was one of the leaders of the market women’s revolt, which protested the oppression of colonial rule in Nigeria; my mother left Nigeria alone at 17 to pursue her education in England and the U.S. I was raised by people who dearly valued education (they called a BA a “first degree”) and achievement. My hero growing up was my older cousin. Her name was also Ebele, so we called her Big Ebele. I was Small Ebele, if you must know. Big Ebele started medical school at some ridiculously young age; not 13, but close. She went on to become a doctor, and still practices in the US; I was surrounded by stories like this, so everything seemed possible, so long as I was willing to work hard. My mother, in particular, always expected the very best from her children—because of her encouragement I had no doubt that I could achieve anything.

A corollary to that is that I have always known that I stand on the backs of giants; many have sacrificed so that I can be where I am. Because of that, I have always known that I have a duty to give back.

Did you have any setbacks and what kept you going?
I wouldn’t really say that I had setbacks. . .I think I have been unbelievably fortunate, in having the opportunity to pursue work that I love. That’s not to say that I have not had to deal with difficult managers (I have!!) or jobs that I’ve outgrown, or jobs where I had a very steep learning curve. That is code for “I was terrible”. I would say that I have always been animated by a strong desire to get better, to do work that has meaning, and to be in roles where I get to use my strengths. I was willing to try a number of different paths, and I was never afraid of starting all over.

What is the one thing you wish someone told you about a lot sooner in life?

That most of the people who tell you that your idea or goal is impossible have no idea what they are talking about.

•    The Present

What are your current personal & professional pursuits?

I am fortunate enough to work for Yahoo!, as director in the Business & Human Rights Program. It is a new program, so I get to learn from incredibly smart and dedicated people as well as help to create something truly unique. The program focuses on protecting and promoting the rights to privacy and free expression, in particular as they intersect with technology. It’s partially legal, partially strategic CSR, partially stakeholder engagement; it’s an amazing job, and I wake up every single day thrilled to go to work. I also work with some of the smartest, nicest people.

In my personal life, I have always been passionate about women’s rights and economic development, in particular in Africa. I am searching for the best way for me to make a difference. Last year, prior to joining Yahoo!, I was incubating an idea for a professional development and mentoring program for women in Africa; with my new job, I have put that on hold for awhile, but I would really like to find a way to remain involved in this issue.

I also volunteer for Upwardly Global, a non-profit that helps highly-skilled immigrants, refugees and asylees reclaim their careers here in the United States and helps American employers discover and understand this hidden talent pool. I was matched with the most amazing mentee, a young woman named Regina Ingabire, originally from Rwanda. She is passionate about changing the world, and I’m thrilled to report that she is about to start a job as a program manager at a non-profit.  I highly recommend Upwardly Global; it’s a wonderful way to give back, and volunteers can do something as simple as help with mock interviews, or they can be mentors for six months to job seekers.

What are your hobbies? How do you relax? Are you able to manage work life balance?
I read. A LOT. And all of the time. I have also become the typical Northern Californian—I love my yoga classes, and I also love biking to work. Re: work life balance, I think I am lucky; I have a boss who trusts me, and who manages according to results. I work long hours, but I am in control of my time; I think that makes a big difference.

What are some of the things that you are proud to have accomplished?
I am proud to have followed my own path in my career.  My decisions were fairly non-traditional, but I look back on my career and I am so pleased to have the kinds of experiences that I have had.

What is a little-known fact about you?
I danced in Carnaval, in Rio, in 2006. My father-in-law passed away suddenly in 2005. He had a life-long love for Brazil, and had gone to Carnaval almost annually for years. When he died, he had been planning a trip, and for the first time he was going to dance in the parade and not just watch. He never got the chance to do it, so we danced for him. We were joined by a group of friends; that trip is still one of my best memories!

•    The Future
What is next in your life?
I don’t know! I feel that I am at a place where I am doing work I love, working with people I respect, learning new things every day and doing a job that has international scope and which makes a difference in the world. I can’t say what will be in the future; only that I would consider myself immeasurably fortunate if I could always have all of those elements in place.

•    Guidance

What advice would you want to give to young women today?
Well, the first thing I would say is that it is so important to identify people who are living lives you admire, and learning more about how they do what they do. The second thing totally contradicts the first thing, and that is that advice can be great, but it often is more about the giver than you. So take it all in, but make your own decisions.

The other thing is to spend time getting good at something, and building up expertise. I know that connections matter, but you are only truly valuable to yourself and to prospective employers if you can offer something substantive. And you will find that excellence opens many more doors, and keeps them open longer, than ass-kissing does. I know that in some jobs, this doesn’t seem true, but trust me, over the long run, it is.

I’d also say not to be afraid to put limits on your time. Do excellent work, and work hard, but be firm about carving out time that is for you and for your personal life.

Also! No is not the end of the world. Sometimes it is the beginning of a conversation, and sometimes it’s a nudge from the universe to get you to think creatively.

The Beginnings

Growing up, what were some of the things that shaped you into what you are today?

One of the principles that I have used often in my life dates from when I was seven.  My parents took me to a party held by the Indian consulate in Sydney.  The High Commissioner and his wife looked very grand and I wanted my father to introduce me to them.  He however said that if I wanted something I should just go up and ask for it myself.  I did, and the High Commissioner was very nice and his wife fussed over me.

This taught me that often you get what you want if you take the direct approach and ask.

Later on this helped me get the course of my choice in engineering, expand my role and even find my current job!  All my jobs have been through direct requests not through a placement firm.

Did you have any setbacks and what kept you going?

I think setbacks are in the mind.  If you decide it is a big setback, then it is.  I have a pragmatic approach and if an obstacle can’t be overcome then it is best to go around it.  There are bound to be some issues in any workplace, but the trick is not to get overcome too early.  It is easy to avoid your problems by taking another job or role, but that is not necessarily the best thing for your career. One of my earliest bosses taught me that you should always leave a role when YOU want to, not when someone else is trying to push you out.

You can either look up at people who are better off than you and think you got a raw deal, or look down and realize that you are luckier than many.  Satisfaction is often just a matter of perspective.

What is the one thing you wish someone told you about a lot sooner in life?

“Control your variables”.  This was something I learned from one of my bosses after I’d been working for around 6 years.  It is a very useful way to look at a project or personal issue and see what is in your control and needs to be managed, and what cannot be controlled and needs to be planned for.  He also taught me that the whole point of moving up the corporate ladder was to bring more variables under your control, until finally, you were responsible for your own destiny.

The Present

What are your current personal & professional pursuits?

I decided to specialize in marketing and am currently trying to develop a deeper knowledge of new media like Twitter and YouTube.  I run a by-invitation-only Roundtable for CMOs on LinkedIn and am trying to see how I can make that a richer experience.  I also run my own blog at www.jessiepaul.com.

There are not too many well-written books on the Indian context of services marketing, and I have authored a professional book on that topic titled “No Money Marketing”.  That will be published by McGraw-Hill India in August this year.

I am interested in enhancing diversity in the workplace and this year have taken up an active role in my company’s Diversity Council.  I am also active on the gender panels of Indian trade associations.

What are your hobbies? How do you relax? Are you able to manage work life balance?

I play Scrabble, though I do find it hard to remember the meanings of the more esoteric words that are permitted! I read fiction of all kinds, at least half an hour before bed – a childhood habit which I retain.

We have a weekend cottage, in the coffee-growing part of the State.  It’s a five hour drive from Bangalore and has no cellphone coverage or broadband.  We don’t have a TV by choice.  The weekends are great for recharging and we also get to grow our own rain-fed pesticide-free coffee and pepper there!

What are some of the things that you are proud to have accomplished?

I pursued services marketing at a time when everyone told me that I should shift to sales as that’s where the money was.  I am glad I stuck it out as even in a country as large as India I now have a specialized skillset that is rare.  I am proud of the book that I am writing – it is my way of giving back to the next generation of marketers.  Hopefully, they will not have to reinvent the wheel.

It has been great to have been part of the leadership journey of the Indian IT industry.  In ten years we have moved the needle on brand awareness and respect, and marketing played a role in that.  In the future, I would like to do something that will help India create more international brands.  As a country, we have a lot of potential in a number of industries – couture, food, hospitality, technology, pharma, education, healthcare – and I would like to help realize that through better marketing, positioning and packaging.

What is a little-known fact about you?

Grew up in a small town called Nazareth, in the deep south of India.

The Future

What is next in your life?

Connecting people – whether through LinkedIn, events, or associations is something I enjoy.  People buy stuff from people they like.  So building relationships is the first step towards building businesses.  I’d like to build on that theme and put more of these structures in place in countries that are still on the learning curve of marketing. Branding helps command a premium for their goods, and until they master this art the companies from BRICs countries are bound to be low.

Did you grow up in an entrepreneurial environment?

I’ll share a story of entrepreneurial spirit within my family. My mother and father escaped communist Czechoslovakia when I was 2 and my sister was 1 year old with no money and only speaking their native language. Their vision was to raise their children in a far away free country. Australia inherited us and soon after the strategy was set – to rent a room in a share house, learn English and perform any odd jobs which would provide shelter, food and savings to buy land. For 16 years we were witness to all the ups and downs, sacrifices, celebrations any startup business would experience. Bonded by our family values and a clear plan, my parents became financially independent and gave their children the strength, belief and courage to do anything our hearts dreamed.

What problems did you face in school or university?

“The stronger the wind the stronger the tree”. I’ve learned to use every adversity – big or small – to establish a very solid base for my being and any venture I become involved in. Growing up in an immigrant family meant we were a little different to the other children – which sometimes created curiosity or fear. My parents worked around the clock and we became independent at a very early age. The time we spent together was quality time. Decision making became easy and when I turned 15 I came to realize I would not have the grades to go to university if I remained for my final two years at my current high school. So I grabbed the yellow pages, scanned possible schools and approached my parents with a plan which would take me to university. Not long after, I was accepted into a private school and 2 years later achieved a high tertiary entrance rank to study. Unfortunately, before my university began my boyfriend had a major accident and paralyzed his right arm tearing all the nerves connected to his arm out of his spinal chord. My focus shifted to supporting him as well as trying to squeeze studies into a curriculum I wasn’t excited about nor talented. “every adversity leads with it a greater seed of benefit”. Over the next 2 years I learned more from my boyfriend who started to read 100’s of books on business, personal development and other interesting topics as he laid in bed recovering.

What were some of the things you learnt on the way?

From my family I learned the importance of values and aligning them to those who were on the same path. There were sacrifices to make to save money. Eating healthy, delicious meals at home rather than take-away food taught me how to cook and take care of my health. My mother and father gave me the choice at the age of 18 to take the $10,000 they had set aside for me to either pay for my wedding one day or invest the money. That day I took the money and bought my first property. Life is about choices and knowing sometimes you will make the wrong choice. “It’s not what happens but what you do about it”. At the same time as I made my first investment I enrolled into a series of personal development courses which had me walking across hot coals becoming a strong metaphor for future crossroads and I learned all about goal setting, affirmations and positive thinking. From these days on, my smile and general attitude became an invaluable asset in meeting new people and retaining relationships. People like to be around people that bring happiness, positive outlook and empathy into their lives.

• The Transition

What challenges did you face in the transition to get to where you are today?

Realising how much you don’t know and the burning desire to know more hurts. I wasn’t an avid read so my ability to digest information was at a snails pace. Fortunately most of my time was spent hands on within my first business – a marketing/ communication company I launched whilst I was at university. Secondly, I sought out the smartest people I could find and spent time just hanging out with them. My dream at the age of 18 was to become financially independent by the age of 30 – being able to do what I wanted, when I wanted and with whomever I wanted. At the age of 28 it hit me like a tonne of bricks. Whilst I did become financially independent I realized life was not just about making money. It was a combination of building a business closely aligned with the natural gifts you were born with and delivering value not only to you, your family and your friends but also making a difference to other people in the world. So I left my 12 year relationship which I cherished, gave away my possessions and traveled around the world for 2 years in search of my purpose.

If given an opportunity, what would you have done differently?

Join a peer to peer support group much earlier. 10 years after I started my business I joined the Entrepreneur Organization (www.eonetwork.org). This community changed my life in every respect. Surrounding yourself with like minded people who share from their experience is extremely uplifting.

What kept you inspired to do better?

I realized very young, life goes by at lightening speed. As a family, we traveled the world extensively and being exposed to how people live opened my eyes and planted the seeds of many dreams to come. I wanted to spend time with my children when they came into this world and I realized having money gives far more options. Every time I met an extraordinary person my dreams would grow and the possibilities would unfold. And then when I went in search of my purpose and found it, everyday is an inspiration.

• The Present

What are your current personal & professional pursuits?

When I realized life wasn’t just about making money I learned many new things. I was fortunate to experience life in a technology startup www.xing.com which became one of Europe’s most exciting social networks. Understanding technology, social networking and user generated content set the stage for my next company. I also became passionate about entrepreneurs in developing countries through ‘The Hunger Project’ www.thp.org . For 2 years I shifted my knowledge in customer acquisition and retention strategies to member acquisition and retention discovering the groups within larger communities such as XING was were the real value existed. The problem in this world until now was that people could not search or find these communities and groups. And what surprised me the most was to learn there are over 40 million communities and groups living on the internet. I partnered with a talented entrepreneur from Germany living in Spain and we launched www.linqia.com which also has a very special social vision.

What are your hobbies? How do you relax? Are you able to manage work life balance?

Absolutely! Firstly, a minimum of 8 hours sleep a day and drinking at least 2 litres of water is a non-negotiable. A very happy relationship with somebody who has an incredible amount of love to share makes a big difference. I love to do so many things – cook, travel, wonder around Barcelona, food lovers Thursday with friends, laugh, read, listen to music and be the recipient to 100’s of poems from my husband. Even though we are in a fast growth, start-up business finding 1 day to just be in important. And lastly, finding opportunities to share and give time and knowledge to those who cross my path has proven to come back 100 fold – not that I’m counting. Learning to give is one of the most beautiful ways to experience life.

• The Future

What is next in your life?

My personal dream with Linqia is to connect the developing world to the developed world through online communities and groups. The sheer volume of knowledge, information and connections existing within millions of communities and groups on the internet holds a real key to prosperity for many people.

When Linqia does well, I would like to spend a big % of my time in funding social technology entrepreneurs and finding ways to fulfill on our social vision.

My husband and I have a dream to establish ‘love houses’ around the world where people who cross our paths come together to experience magic, bliss and happiness whilst discussing how we can gather together to make a difference in the world.

• Guidance

From your vast experience, what is your message for women who wish to start their own companies?

Discover your passion, what gifts you possess and formulate your dream. Find people and companies to gain the necessary experience to not make the mistakes others have made. Read many books, attend events, meet people, talk, share your dream and become as healthy, happy and balanced as you can be. And if you’re in a relationship – make sure it’s full of love, support and stability. Join www.globalbusinesswomen.com and receive a Positive Monday Booster which I send out every week.

What should a woman do to grow as a leader?

Know who you are. Learn what makes you strong and what makes you weak. Build on your strengths. Operate from the highest level of integrity, honesty and authenticity. Find yourself at least one mentor you can observe and learn from. Take on some leadership roles if you lack experience – perhaps within your local community or a non-profit organization where you learn key skills such as communication, conflict management, public speaking and co-ordination.

Every woman has to keep up with one or more roles – a mother, a wife, a professional. What advice you have for women who need to keep a healthy balance between these roles?

It would be impossible for me to launch Linqia if I were to have children now. It simply wouldn’t be fare to the well being of my children, my husband and my health. If possible, plan to have children and visualize what this life looks like and what needs to happen for you to achieve this.

If you are fortunate to have children in your life gain clarity of what is expected from you in every area of responsibility. Depending on the amount of time and resources you have become very diligent about how you spend this. If you are in a business or looking to start one, you soon realize business becomes the number 1 priority. Having a business partner or hiring very good staff can relieve much of this pressure.

What were some challenges of growing up in an ethnically diverse environment?

My childhood was doubly enriched by an early awareness that two cultures were better than one. My parents felt that I sat in the enviable catbird seat looking East and West. This vantage point allowed me to look in more than one direction and see a panoramic horizon. I feel my artistic direction has been shaped by being privileged to draw upon the beauty and richness of a Japanese and American heritage. The land of the Rising Sun and the Land of the Stars and Stripes are in my work.

What problems did you face when you got here?

Problems or challenges can be opportunities turned upside down. A problem and its solution are intertwined. Mystery and clarity are in an inextricable embrace just as the beautiful ebony Sumi ink and rice white scroll are inseparable. If I encountered a challenge, I tried to draw upon my artistic background to conceptually pick it up in my mind and see it from all directions. Inevitably positive possibilities reveal themselves.

What were some of the things you learnt on the way?

I don’t think of knowledge gained in the past tense. Learning begins now. For me, learning is always in the present tense, building on the past, but in a mode of accelerating to the future. Tomorrow always brings a new dawn filled with the possibilities of a blank shikishi board.

. The Transition

What challenges did you face in the transition to get to where you are today?

Each moment is a transition filled with motion in a positive direction. If it isn’t you are standing still. Movement is precious in the Zen art form of Sumi-e.

If given an opportunity, what would you have done differently?

No Regrets, the title of one of my Jazz paintings sums up my feeling. I look back to the past only to be enriched or inspired. The best brush strokes are the ones that are fearlessly released.

What kept you inspired to do better?

An internal voice of artistic intuition provokes me. This intriguing nudge keeps me up at silky midnight and wakes me up early in the glistening dawn. Imagining the powerful voices of my ancestors and those who came before me empowers me to tackle the biggest challenges.

. The Present

What are your current personal & professional pursuits?

I am a Master Sumi-e artist. Zen exists in the now, and my most current activities are chronicled on my blog, ValleyZen.

The ancient art of Japanese brush painting has been my destiny. I first had a brush in hand at the age of 3. My parents were taking me to see the masterpieces of Japanese art when I was still in a stroller. I was drawn to the beauty and quiet power of these strokes at a young age. Painting always seemed as natural as breathing to me. I was blessed to be inspired by a depth of artistry in my family that stretches back over many generations. As the only child of the first male heir of the Kataoka Samurai line, I inherited the magnificent Kataoka Samurai Sword in a special ceremony. The word Samurai derives from a Japanese verb meaning “to serve.” True to my ancestry, I strive for an exceptional standard of performance and technical mastery. The Samurai values of loyalty, integrity, and discipline are at my artistic core. I commit to my client’s goals, which become my goals.

I have private and corporate clients that commission original works of art. My creative process begins by listening carefully to my clients and continues with serious research of the subject matter they would like me to capture. Along with the original work of art, I often pair an original commentary, poem and digital component. The project usually culminates in an unveiling or a presentation/performance.

What are your hobbies? How do you relax? Are you able to manage work life balance?

The way of the Samurai is to be in the spirit of readiness 24 hours a day. I follow in this tradition in that I am in a creative mode 24 hours a day. I don’t think of my work and non-work as diametrically opposed divided parts. I relish every opportunity to see and experience the world in an intensely beautiful way. Perhaps I am not in my studio. I may be somewhere talking and relaxing over fine wine and music with friends. I observe and enjoy the honeyed light falling about their shoulders, I think of the fragment of a new poem. I let ideas come to me when it is convenient for them.

. The Future

What is next in your life?

Exciting projects are on the horizon. Here are a couple:
I was commissioned by Fenwick & West LLP to create an original work combining art and technology. The project pays tribute to Fenwick & West’s stellar client network and contributions to Silicon Valley.

I just launched a new blog Valley Zen – At the Intersection of Art and Technology. Tim Draper, Managing Partner of DFJ was exhilarated by his recent video interview with us. He put it best, “ValleyZen is the ONLY way to start your day!” I welcome the Invincibelle community to this fresh, unexpected and invigorating blog.

What resources at Invicibelle.com do you think would help women who wish to come to this country?

Invincibelle can be a great resource for women as well as men. Anytime we share our stories and experiences in a creative dialogue we are collectively strengthened.

. The Guidance

From your vast experience, what is your message for women who wish to either move to this country or are already here?

I celebrate their ambition and encourage them. The American dream is open to all

What should a multicultural woman do to grow as a leader?

A multicultural woman should embrace her unique experiences, heritage, and cultural knowledge. In so doing she brings a valuable perspective for an increasingly diverse and fragmented world.

Every woman has to keep up with one or more roles – a mother, a wife, a professional. What advice you have for multicultural women who need to keep a healthy balance between these roles?

Multi-cultural women have the task of balancing roles and cultures. Sharing advice about balance gives me great pleasure and it is a theme covered in my interactive Seminars and Workshops inspired by Sumi-e. Balance is central to the art of Sumi-e and to flute playing. The blissful feeling of balance is often difficult to reach because it is successfully achieved in counter-intuitive ways. Opposing forces as different as midnight Sumi ink and bright white open space must be not simply reconciled but brought together in harmony.

. The Beginning

. The Beginning

What brought you to this country?

My hope as a 21 year old was to excel academically and make a significant contribution to an academic field. I came to the University of Wisconsin in Madison as a graduate student in a doctoral program in Educational Psychology. After a successful year I transferred to Harvard’s Graduate School of Education where I obtained my Ed.M. degree. After working for two years I became interested in civil rights and decided to attend law school. I graduated from Boston College Law School with a J.D. in 1981.

What problems did you face when you got here?

To understand these problems, I first need to refer to my upbringing:
Even though I was born an American, as all Puerto Ricans since 1919, a part of me considers myself a foreigner. I came here from a very different culture. I was raised in a third world country and lived there until I was 21 years old. I grew up in a progressive agricultural town in the foothills of Puerto Rico. My parents divorced when I was 11 months old and I lived with my mother, a divorced Catholic woman in a small town.

The social dynamics of the town during the sixties and seventies was changing albeit slowly, keeping a distant pace with the mainland civil rights movement. Until then, the town had been ruled by powerful families including my ancestor’s. By the time I was a young child my family’s riches had vanished and only the prestige of the family name remained. Unbeknownst to outsiders, my family was financially compromised but it retained the same social status and privilege ancestors had enjoyed for the last two centuries.

As a child I was called a “blanquita”, the name given to persons of Spanish ancestry with “class” and light skin. As a young child I knew it was wrong to categorize people by the color of their skin as I felt it was something people could not change even if they wanted to. It seemed unfair and hurtful. Even though my family had been powerful and influential in the past, my mother and grandmother always treated others with respect and consideration and demanded I did as well. I was told I was not special even though I was treated with deference by others.

My town was divided in terms of how the families who were regarded as “familias de bien”/“blanquitas” (well-to-do-even if you are no longer wealthy but have a fancy last name) and “commoners”. Some townspersons demonstrated their disdain for these families, others treated them with deference, and yet others regarded them as their equals. The times were changing. The middle class was growing and it had more buying power than families like mine who were comparatively disadvantaged, but for the influence a fancy last name could buy and a-once-upon-a-time fancy residence. I lived a life that was very structured, prescribed by tradition and I had a very little chance of changing but for seeking higher education. This was the “ticket” out of town.

My grandma raised me while my mom worked as an executive secretary for the local bank manager, a prestigious job in town. Even though my Mom made very little money, most persons in town believed my grandma was one of the richest women there. My family suffered many deprivations in silence, because my grandma still believed that “if they think I am still a rich woman, I will be greeted by all with respect”. My mom had gone to college to become an executive secretary. She used to say that her education saved her after her divorce because she was employable. She was so right. I grew up afraid that one day I would be left without a job, a home, family or friends. I knew as a small child I needed to work hard to get a college degree to be regarded a respectable citizen and escape the rigid expectations imposed on me by tradition. I also knew I could not count on my privilege to pay the bills.

Most Americans I know cannot easily relate to my upbringing as vestiges of a colonial upbringing is a very foreign concept to grasp. The first year I spent in the United States I felt liberated from my oppressive upbringing. I thought- for a few months-I was equal to others for the first time in my life. But this feeling was short lived. I experienced the sting of unlawful discrimination for the first time at the age of 21, shortly after I came to the United States. Alas! I traded living with one form of oppression for another, a more pervasive and dangerous one.

What were some of the things you learnt on the way?

My formative years had a series of influences and events that deeply affected my sense of justice and privilege. Throughout my professional life I have endeavored to create awareness of seemingly innocuous influences that go undetected but pervade the manner in which individuals relate at work, socially, personally, etc. It is important to me to share my experiences with others to make them understand the dangers of living an unexamined life, not questioning the values we hold as true and fair and how our views affect other person’s lives. I am invested in challenging perceptions people adopt of persons who are not like themselves.

My commitment to diversity has shown in many significant ways, with the career I chose to the book I co-wrote 10 years ago -Notable Latino Americans: A biographical dictionary, 1997, Greenwood Press- to the HR consultancy I now have, to the organizations and committees I join and co-found. Three years ago I helped co-found the Global Women’s Leadership Network at Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business, a leadership organization for international and local women who are social entrepreneurs and political and academic leaders. I am dedicated to inclusive excellence in all aspects of my life. It is a way of life.

I learned I need to share my life experiences with others, to listen to others and learn from their experiences, to become present and compassionate with those who cannot relate to all forms of social suffering.

. The Transition

What challenges did you face in the transition to get to where you are today?

The most significant challenge I encountered as a graduate student was learning how to communicate effectively in a second language. Once I mastered the English language I continued to develop my interpersonal communication abilities, as I felt they were crucial to becoming effective and credible as a professional. Also, the sting of feeling “different” from others- in a way I never experienced before- became pivotal to my incessant dedication to the pursuit of equality for all.

After I graduated from Harvard University with a Master’s Degree in Education I worked with a local grass-roots group, the City-Wide Educational Coalition, a non-profit invested in facilitating the transition to desegregation in the city of Boston. I was one of the links between the court and the Hispanic parents living in ethnic neighborhoods. I facilitated communication that had taken place during the court sessions and explained the impact on their children’s lives. While some parents supported the desegregation efforts, other feared it. I found fear was a paralyzing force that prevented parents to trust what the court system was trying to do for their children. This experience reinforced my desire to help disadvantaged youth become educated so they could attain opportunities open to middle class students.

After funds ran out for this non-profit I became a provisional teacher for the Boston schools. I worked as a resource room teacher with young children with disabilities, the most challenging job of my life. I felt unprepared for the task yet motivated to find a way to help these students. At the age of 23 this experience was pivotal in my desire to dedicate my life to education as a tool to redress societal injustices. It became an invitation for me to join the Greater Boston Association for Retarded Citizens, where I worked as an advocate for parents of children with mental retardation. I was fortunate to work along with two lawyers who were providing pro bono work to the association and had been instrumental in designing Chapter 766, the first piece of national legislation granting rights to children with disabilities in the schools. This piece of legislation became the model for the federal legislation.

I gained expertise in the disability laws and later became the State of Massachusetts Special Education expert in Chapter 766. These attorneys encouraged me to consider pursing law school.
The nature of my challenges changed once I went to Boston College Law School in 1978. I graduated in 1981. During my second year of law school I entered a writing competition and became a writer for the Uniform Commercial Code Reporter-Digest. This was out of sheer desire to improve my writing abilities, as I had only been in the US for only four years.

During my third year of law school I became Editor of the Third World Law Journal. As I finished law school I realized I was not personally suited to dedicate my passions to the practice of law, but rather, I saw myself becoming an alternative resolution-mediator-advocate-ombuds type, serving as an alternate medium to attain resolution to legal and personal problems. I understood well the difference between position and interest, and the emotional factors influencing resolution of conflict.

After graduating from law school I entered a period that limited my employment prospects as I wanted to become a mother and had two children. I worked for a local Junior College which allowed me access to earn a living while caring for my children. I enjoyed assisting students making career decisions and mentored them. When I moved to California in 1990 I worked with the National Hispanic University in San Jose and later became Assistant Director of Women Students at Santa Clara University. Soon thereafter I was promoted to Director of Affirmative Action, a position I held for 14 years.

In my role as Director of Affirmative Action I cherished my role as a promoter of equal opportunity, affirmative action and diversity. In this role I served as investigator, mediator, ombuds, counselor, coach, advocate, teacher, trainer, presenter, author, and arbiter of many controversies for faculty, students, staff, visitors, applicants and guests. It was a rewarding role. I was instrumental in facilitating difficult conversations and providing a new look at diversity and inclusive excellence from a different perspective, including setting the stage for some minds change their perspective about feeling righteous to hold odious views of other ethic groups. I facilitated difficult encounters, reunited friendships, dispelled myths, explored taboo subjects of conversations, resolved misunderstandings, trained many students, faculty and staff, and made many friends in the process.

After many challenging conversations, most persons I knew at Santa Clara University became amenable to entertaining the notion that equal opportunity is an imperative we need to observe and that all persons have the right to be considered in a fair and unbiased way regardless of color, creed, gender, etc. Since this institution is Catholic and Jesuit, it is male dominated, traditional and attached to notions of privilege and class. Still, the divestment of privilege is the major challenge I encountered working at Santa Clara University as it is one that seriously affects women and minorities. To the extent I was allowed, I dedicated many conversations and efforts to retention of person of color and efforts to help them succeed.

The opportunity to work with conscientious faculty was a privilege that I cherished for 14 years. During this period I assisted them with personal concerns over employment discrimination issues, the search and hire processes and served as a consultant for the employment processes affecting them in many aspects of the employment cycle, including the tenure process. I enjoyed my participation as trainer for AB 1825 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for Supervisors and felt thankful for having the ideal job for a person of my experience, talents and interests.

If given an opportunity, what would you have done differently?

Because I am the consummate optimist, I tend to attribute the best of intentions to others even when I feel I have been mistreated, overlooked, or put down. Since I have a forgiving style, I allow others to save face to maintain a harmonious relation. This quality has not served me well in certain situations.

What kept you inspired to do better?

As a person of color and as a woman, I have suffered many humiliations including the experience of being discriminated, harassed and retaliated upon. One of the stereotypes I have experienced is being regarded as a passive Latina woman who because having a pleasant demeanor is presumed to be a woman that is incapable or unwilling to fight for what she believes in and holds true to her heart. Because of my mild Spanish accent and personality some people assume I am a compliant woman. I overcome this handicap by expressing views with conviction and dispelling any notion I may fit the stereotype.

These personal experiences have allowed me to empathize with those who felt oppressed and singled out for any undeserving reason and also to help managers experiencing problems with these same employees who feel isolated and undervalued because of their protected status. They have also allowed me to share my experiences with non-minorities and managers interested in preventing claims of discrimination in their units. Over time I became confident in my abilities to solve extremely sensitive employment problems and successfully conducted over 200 informal resolutions, investigations and mediations without legal consequence in the last 15 years.

. The Present

What are your current personal & professional pursuits?

I have expertise resolving the most sensitive civil rights employment problems any company may be experiencing with employees at any level, from the Executive Suite to temporary or seasonal employees. This is where Serri Compliance Training comes into the picture. (www.serricompliance.com) I am positioning my company to be the premiere employment practices and diversity management consultancy ready to assist Human Resources professionals and executives with employee relations matters and organizational change. I can help companies minimize liability and maximize efficiencies with regards to their diversity climate and best management practices.

I plan to launch Serri Compliance Training formally in 2008. One of my favorite current projects is making strategic alliances with other HR related businesses. On my spare time I am considering the viability of founding a non-profit hotline dedicated to assist low-income women succeed in leadership roles at work.

What are your hobbies? How do you relax? Are you able to manage work life balance?

I have many interests and ways to relax. My favorite is “down time” with my family members at home, just hanging out and having light conversations over dinner with them. I also enjoy dancing Argentine Tango, a most Zen experience for me. I have danced for the last 8 years and for me it is better than going to the gym. I also love to cook and entertain. I enjoy reading and writing. I just completed a Treatment for Hollywood based on the history of a strong woman- an ancestor- who fled from Venezuela during the civil war under Bolivar’s threat. I enjoy classical music and jazz. Another practice that helps me is meditation.

. The Future

What is next in your life?

I am transitioning into opportunities that I never envisioned before and so I need to be receptive for new challenges. As for my immediate future, I am in the process of launching my consultancy full time. I am also contemplating developing a non-profit dedicated to assisting low income women succeed as leaders in their respective jobs. This is a time for data gathering and studying the viability of the concept. I am also open to other opportunities for personal growth.

What resources at Invicibelle.com do you think would help women who wish to come to this country?

Invinceibelle is the glue that binds multicultural women in solidarity with each other by sharing experiences in the process of becoming successful in the US. It also provides a networking forum for women to navigate the many resources available to them when they arrive in the US. It is a site that brings value to the immersion and acculturation experience that all newcomers face. I appreciate this site because one of the services I provide for recent executives is how to become Silicon Valley Proficient SM, in other words, how to become up to speed with the trends and the hidden messages not readily available to a newcomer. This service I provide 1:1 coaching or in groups.

. The Guidance

From your vast experience, what is your message for women who wish to either move to this country or are already here?

Give. Give your time, your talents and of yourself to the world. Contribute to make the world a better place for others. Use your connections and resources for the common good. Invest in yourself, become educated and dare to live your dreams. There are organizations that assist global women leaders realize their dreams such as the Global Women Leadership Network at Santa Clara University- See: www.gwln.org. The best way I know is to become educated and to give back to your community. One of the best ways to develop your talents is to do volunteer work and to become politically involved with issues that concern you as women and mothers. These are the many ways I contribute to my community with volunteer work:
· Trustee, Institute of Transpersonal Psychology. See: www.itp.edu
· Member, State Bar of California Legal Services Trust Fund Commission
· Co-founder and Advisory Board Member, Santa Clara University, The Leavey School of Business: Global Women’s Leadership Network. See: www.gwln.org
· Member, Board of Directors, C.E.O. Women. See: www.ceowomen.org
· Member, Advisory Board, Project Hired. See: www.projecthired.org
· Planning group member, HR Women and Friends. See: www.ourhrsite.org
· Member, Diversity 2K, Diversity Think Tank
· 2005 Conference Co-Chair, Women of Color Action Network.
See: www.wcan.org
· Former Advisory Board Member, Teach For America.
See: www.teachforamerica.org
· Member: Association for Conflict Resolution, CAERP, NCHRA, AHEAD, WCAN, Harvard Club-Silicon Valley Chapter, La Raza Lawyers Association, Latina Coalition, Greater San José Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

What should a multicultural woman do to grow as a leader?

Leaders are leaders regardless irrespective of culture. I believe that leaders are both born and made. Follow your bliss and learn how to become a leader. The best predictor of the future is the past, so start building the building blocks of what will become your past and move forward with it. Build confidence when you realize you can get things done. This confidence and gained experience will in turn fuel your next venture.

Develop the capacity to create a vision. Be excited and inspired by what you can get done. Experience the physical thrill you get when a challenge is revealed to you. Be positively critical rather than complacent. Do not settle for mediocrity. Do not give up. Take the task to the end. When the pressure gets you, focus even more on the task. Listen to your critics but do not believe all you hear.

Learn how to deliver a good presentation. Communication skills are crucial to your success. Share your successes with others and celebrate your accomplishments. Use your multicultural talents for the common good. Become politically involved.

Every woman has to keep up with one or more roles – a mother, a wife, a professional. What advice you have for multicultural women who need to keep a healthy balance between these roles?

Love deeply, develop self-compassion, and put yourself first. I used to tell my children: “If Mommy is not happy, no one is happy”. Dedication to others does not mean self-denial. You may not be able to have it all at all times, so chose wisely. Ask for advice from those who love you and you decide what is best at any one time. Communicate your intentions so your family understands what you value and why. Develop the spirit and pray for wisdom.